Have you ever wondered what you would do if your child faced a life-threatening emergency? You might panic, or your heart might feel heavy and cold. This is a natural reaction to such a stressful situation. Staying calm during a pediatric emergency is one of the hardest things for a parent, especially when you are trying to comfort an injured child. That’s why parents should learn basic first aid and tips for staying composed in these moments.
Pediatric emergencies involve the urgent medical care of infants, children, and adolescents dealing with life-threatening conditions such as severe illnesses, cardiac arrest, choking, or respiratory failure. Keep reading to discover the essential steps that will help you act confidently during an emergency.
How to Stay Calm during a Pediatric Emergency?
Children often go through their day with minor bumps and bruises, but injuries or illnesses can sometimes be severe. Every parent should understand the importance of pediatric doctors and their vital role in protecting children from unexpected, life-threatening situations. The following steps will help you to understand and handle such situations confidently.
Here are 7 tips for staying calm during a Pediatric Emergency:
1. Take a deep breath
Deep breathing is also known as diaphragmatic breathing, and belly breathing is an effective technique to reduce anxiety and stress. In pediatric emergencies, this technique can help you to stay calm and focused. It promotes full oxygen exchange, which lowers your heart rate, reduces blood pressure, and activates the body’s relaxation response. Before taking any action, take a few seconds to inhale deeply through your nose, allowing your stomach to expand. Hold your breath for a moment, then exhale gently through your mouth. Repeat this process two times to relieve stress and calm yourself
According to the study published in 2017 Study in Frontiers in Psychology, participants who practiced deep breathing for just five minutes showed significant reductions in anxiety, a lower heart rate, and increased feelings of relaxation. So, taking a deep breath can help you manage stress in pediatric emergencies.
2. Understand the current situation:
It is crucial to understand the current situation and environment before taking any action. Panicking can increase your child’s anxiety, so it’s important to remain calm during a life-threatening situation. The first step is to thoroughly assess your child’s condition by observing any signs of distress, such as unconsciousness, severe bleeding, or difficulty breathing. Recognizing the severity of the injury is essential before administering any treatment.
If the situation is serious, try to stay calm and find a quiet place to monitor your child. Speak in a soft voice to help your child relax. Always carefully observe both the physical and mental state of your child before deciding whether to provide basic first aid, call for help, or rush to the hospital
3. Call 911 immediately :
After observing your child’s condition, if the situation is severe, call for help immediately by calling 911 or contacting a nearby medical professional without delay. If you are in touch with a medical professional, then they can offer advice and recommendations for better care of the child. While calling 911, provide clear and concise information about your location, your child’s condition, and any relevant details, such as medical history or the cause of the emergency.
While waiting for help to arrive, focus on keeping your child calm and comfortable. If you are trained in first aid, provide basic care. For example:
- CPR: Perform CPR according to their tolerance. You should carefully check the pulse of infants and adolescents before giving compression.
- Control bleeding: Use a clean cotton cloth or bandage to manage severe bleeding.
- Medicine: You can give your child an over-the-counter pain reliever, following the recommended dosage.
4. Comfort your child:
An injured child may feel panicked or nervous during an emergency, especially if they don’t see their parents nearby. That’s why always stay by their side and use gentle, reassuring words like :
“It’s going to be okay,” “You’re going to be fine,” and “I’m here.”
You can provide physical comfort through a hug, a kiss, or by holding their hand. You can also place them securely on your lap or speak in a calm and soothing tone. Let them know what the doctor is going to do and how these things will help them get cured fast. These small gestures can help them feel safe, relaxed, and supported during a stressful situation. By being present, you can help reduce their fear and make the situation easier for them to handle.
5. Distract your child:
Distraction can be one of the most effective ways to keep your child calm and relaxed in an emergency. Engage your child in age-appropriate activities based on their interests. If you are running for the hospital, then don’t forget to pack their most favourite things because those favourite things could become your child’s best friend in an emergency situation.
Younger children mostly find comfort in their favourite toy, listening to a soothing song, or playing with their favourite animal toy like a bear, cat, dog, etc. Playing a familiar cartoon can also work wonders for little kids. You can engage older children by asking about their favourite games and books. This shifts their focus away from pain and anxiety. Similarly, try to communicate with a gentle tone. Storytelling, stress ball, and counting games are effective in handling situations. According to the BJN journal, studies suggest that non-pharmacological techniques like distraction can reduce pain perception and stress by shifting focus. This method is widely used in healthcare as a cost-effective method to ease pediatric distress.
6. Apply first aid if needed:
First aid is crucial in a pediatric emergency, as it can prevent minor injuries from becoming severe. If you are familiar with essential first aid procedures such as CPR, responding to choking, and bandaging wounds to stop bleeding, you should use these skills after assessing your child’s condition. First aid also helps to reduce pain and anxiety, which is particularly important for children who may not fully understand what is happening to them. If a child is unresponsive and not breathing, begin cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) immediately. For infants (under 1 year old), use two fingers to perform chest compressions at a depth of about 1.5 inches (4 cm), ensuring the compressions are fast and rhythmic. For children (ages 1 to puberty), use the heel of one hand to compress the chest to a depth of about 2 inches (5 cm).
Compressions should be delivered at a rate of 100–120 compressions per minute and should be combined with rescue breaths at a ratio of 30 compressions to 2 breaths for a single rescuer or 15 compressions to 2 breaths if two rescuers are present. Proper hand placement and technique help to restore oxygen circulation effectively while minimizing the risk of injury, especially to the delicate bones of infants and small children.
7. Stay with your child until help arrives:
In an emergency situation, children always look for their parents because they feel safe and secure in their presence. Staying by their side and comforting them with a warm hug and cozy blanket can help to reduce stress. Your presence helps to provide emotional stability to your children.
Being close to a child allows you to monitor effectively, and you can give quick care until help arrives. According to a study from the National Institute of Health (NIH), the presence of parents allows for better monitoring of the child’s condition and ensures immediate care if necessary while waiting for professional help. This dual role of emotional and practical support not only comforts the child but also aids in better outcomes during emergencies.
Conclusion:
Being calm during a pediatric emergency can make all the difference in ensuring a child’s safety and well-being. Whether it’s performing CPR, giving first aid, or simply knowing what to do at the moment, having the right skills can save lives. These are not just for medical professionals—they’re essential tools anyone can learn.
At Sacramento CPR Classes, we offer PALS classes to help healthcare providers and parents alike prepare for pediatric emergencies. For parents, caregivers, or anyone looking to make a difference, our CPR and First Aid classes provide the confidence and knowledge to act in critical moments. Don’t wait until an emergency strikes. Enroll in our PALS classes and be ready to protect the ones you love most!
FAQs
What are the three primary pediatric emergencies?
The three primary pediatric emergencies are respiratory distress/failure, cardiac arrest, and severe trauma or injury.
When should you visit a pediatrician?
You should visit a pediatrician if your child experiences symptoms like persistent fever, severe pain, difficulty breathing, unusual drowsiness, or any sudden change in behavior or health.